To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum claimants did not have the services of an interpreter offered to them in proceedings relating to their claim in the last five years. (241413)

[holding answer 9 December 2008]: The UK Border Agency and Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) offers all asylum seekers the services of an interpreter at public expense whenever it is considered necessary in connection with proceedings relating to their application or appeal.